Madrid Gastronomy: The Dishes You Must Try and Where to Find Them

Madrid does not have a narrow "city cuisine": as a capital, it absorbs the best of every Spanish regional kitchen and adds its own traditions. The result is an exceptional food offering, with iconic dishes that range from the most humble to the most refined.

The essential dishes

Cocido madrileño

The cocido is Madrid's most representative dish. A chickpea stew with meat (beef shin, chicken, chorizo, black pudding, and salt pork), vegetables, and noodles, served in three courses: first the broth as soup, then the chickpeas and vegetables, finally the meats.

It is quintessentially a winter dish. The best cocidos in Madrid are served at restaurants like Lhardy (one of the oldest in Spain), La Bola, and Malacatín. Approximate price: €20–35 per person.

Bocadillo de calamares

The bocadillo de calamares — battered and deep-fried squid rings in a bread roll — is Madrid's definitive sandwich. It is eaten standing at the bar, at any time of day. The best ones are in the bars of the Plaza Mayor and surroundings. Price: €3–5.

Callos a la madrileña

Callos are a stew of beef tripe with chorizo, black pudding, and paprika. One of the most polarising dishes in Spanish cuisine: you either love it or refuse it. Older Madrileños adore it. Found in traditional tabernas and offal restaurants. Price: €10–15.

Churros con chocolate

The most Madrilenian breakfast or afternoon snack: churros (or porras, the thicker version) with thick hot chocolate. Chocolatería San Ginés, open since 1894 and famous for being open 24 hours, is the reference address.

Sunday vermut

The Sunday vermut is a deeply rooted Madrid tradition. Between noon and 2 pm, the bars of La Latina, Lavapiés, Malasaña, and Chamberí fill with Madrileños enjoying their vermouth with pickled anchovies, olives, and patatas bravas. It is more a social ritual than a gastronomic one.

The best neighbourhoods for eating

La Latina: The neighbourhood with the most history for traditional tabernas. Calle Cava Baja is Madrid's oldest restaurant street.

Malasaña: Good value for money, international cuisine, vermut bars, and contemporary Spanish cooking.

Chamberí: The most gastronomically serious neighbourhood for high-income locals. Fine dining restaurants, Mercado de La Paz, classic vermut bars.

Salamanca: The most expensive neighbourhood, with the priciest restaurants and premium food shops (Lavinia for wine, Mantequerías Bravo for deli goods).

Mercado de San Miguel: See our Madrid markets guide for a full introduction.

Michelin-starred restaurants

Madrid has a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. DiverXO (3 stars, chef Dabiz Muñoz) is the most internationally known. Others include El Club Allard, Corral de la Morería, and Saddle.

International food

As a cosmopolitan city with significant immigration, Madrid has a very strong international food offering: from some of the best Peruvian restaurants in Europe to quality Japanese, Italian, French, and Latin American cooking in all its variants.

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References:

• Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal 2026.
• Madrid City Council — Gastronomic Tourism.